Obituary for Linda Lou Mitchell

Linda Lou Mitchell passed away at Hope Stay Assisted Living on 8/26/22 at the age of 76 years old.  She was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin on 6-25-46 to Loren and Emma (Pribyl) Copsey.   She married David Mitchell and together they had three children.  They were later divorced.

In the 70’s Linda raised Persian cats and even had a Grand Champion named Darbo. There were times when there were 20 plus cats and kittens all over the house.  In the late 70’s she and her 3 boys moved to Florida. That began a love affair for her with Florida that would last most of her life. She would move there and back many times over the years. She had a restless nature that just couldn’t be tamed.

Linda attended the University of Wisconsin La Crosse after all of her sons were grown, obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 1991. Linda was nicknamed “Rooster” by the staff at Hope Stay perhaps because of her feisty nature and stubbornness.  She collected dolls over the years and left those to the residents and staff at Hope Stay upon her death.  Throughout her life, she had a love for the water-especially the ocean, flowers and cats; most recently her cat Phoebe.  She truly enjoyed and cherished her grandchildren.  She enjoyed singing and had a beautiful voice. Her later years were quite difficult, but through it all she kept her sharp sense of humor to the very end.    

She is survived by three sons.  Mark (Kim) Mitchell of La Crosse, WI., Todd (Beth) Mitchell of Rushford, MN., and Scott (Elyse) Hawthorn of Decorah, IA., one sister, Jan Shaw of Sarasota, FL., three grandsons, Nate, Dustin and Dylan Mitchell, two granddaughters, Aya and Emma Hawthorn, one great grandson Cooper Mitchell and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Robert, Ronald and Alan Copsey.

There will be a private family burial at a later date.

Linda’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Gundersen Hospice, Inclusa and to the caring staff at Hope Stay Assisted Living who provided such loving care. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in her honor to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater La Crosse.